Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open hopes were dashed in cruel fashion as he retired through injury in the fifth set of his quarterfinal against Marin Cilic on January 23.
Former US Open champion Cilic produced a hugely impressive display in Rod Laver Arena, his stinging, flat forehands a particularly potent weapon throughout a contest that was brought to a premature end after three hours and 47 minutes, Bein Sports reported.
However, the Croatian was significantly aided by a clear deterioration in the fitness of Nadal, whose movement was compromised after he called for a medical timeout in the fourth set.
Although Nadal initially continued after receiving prolonged treatment on his upper right leg, he was ultimately unable to compete and retired when trailing 2-0 in the decider.
Cilic will now face surprise package Kyle Edmund in the last four, with hopes of a rematch of last year’s final between Nadal and Roger Federer having been sensationally ended. The seriousness of Nadal’s injury remains to be seen, but the top seed cut a forlorn figure as he exited the court to sympathetic applause.
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